The top plate is designed to move,its supposed to help with the handling, triumph do a simialar thing with side boxes on the explorer! Seen this a few years ago.
Thought it was strange myself but dealer confirmed this was correct for the reason stated above

I don't/won't use my SDGT for two up touring nor long distance rides, but that certainly looks like the solution. I would be more interested in a small 'tail' bag that replaces the pillion seat. Nothing big, just something to throw a phone and wallet in. Anyone aware of something like that?

By the way, that truck in the background is one of my favorites. I get all tingly when one pulls up in front of my house.

Joe, I have three identical Nelson Rig Tail bags. One is a permanent fixture on my 1600 and one on my SDGT. It looks like it was custom made to fit on the passenger seat of the SD. Sadly I cannot for the life of me figure out why the "add files" feature when posting a response does not work for me on this forum.

If you do the canister delete it frees up a pretty good amount of space under the pillion seat - at least enough for a phone and a wallet. I also bought the KTM '1290 GT' tank bag. It is rather small but pretty well built.

I will probably get rid of the canister. I've read up on a couple of options. Any suggestions.

I went with the Rottweiler Performance SAS Stage 2 kit. Works really well. I'd also recommend getting the fueling dongles and finding/buying some threaded plugs for the O2 sensors holes. The dongles trick the engine into running richer and buys you a few hundred more useable RPMs in the lower rev range. Pretty easy stuff to install.

I will probably get rid of the canister. I've read up on a couple of options. Any suggestions.

I went with the Rottweiler Performance SAS Stage 2 kit. Works really well. I'd also recommend getting the fueling dongles and finding/buying some threaded plugs for the O2 sensors holes. The dongles trick the engine into running richer and buys you a few hundred more useable RPMs in the lower rev range. Pretty easy stuff to install.

This is the route i took, SAS Stage 2, and O2 kit, the Rottweiler O2 sensor removal kit includes threaded plugs for to go into the exhaust.

I will probably get rid of the canister. I've read up on a couple of options. Any suggestions.

Good lord JJ, what do we buy all the same bikes?!! Am I to get a K1600 next?!?!?
I'm partial to the nelson rig tail bag myself.
so is the S1000R gone?

Not sure why I’m just seeing this post. Yes, the S1000R is gone. I liked the bike and put 23,000 miles on it. I can’t explain it, but I liked it a lot but didn’t love it a lot. I was surprised that it lacked refinement in a few different areas. I have read that the upgrades in 2017 made it a bit more refined.

I would actually consider one again....maybe as a replacement for my Panigale. But it’s gong to be agonizing when (if) I ever sell that bike. I love that bike. I’m nearing 66 years old and 150-180 Sunday morning rides on it are still pretty easy for me.

My wife keeps reminding me that most people would love to have my problems

Not sure why I’m just seeing this post. Yes, the S1000R is gone. I liked the bike and put 23,000 miles on it. I can’t explain it, but I liked it a lot but didn’t love it a lot. I was surprised that it lacked refinement in a few different areas. I have read that the upgrades in 2017 made it a bit more refined.

I would actually consider one again....maybe as a replacement for my Panigale. But it’s gong to be agonizing when (if) I ever sell that bike. I love that bike. I’m nearing 66 years old and 150-180 Sunday morning rides on it are still pretty easy for me.

My wife keeps reminding me that most people would love to have my problems

Not quite sure why I couldn't love that bike either. It was fun, comfortable enough for a naked, but I never was quite satisfied with it. Plus I commute long miles so needed something a little more interstate friendly. That I-4 is a very good engine though.

I test rode a newer one recently and it got somewhat smaller. I could not ever consider it again.

I had the 48L top box fitted last month, like bigman, and have been happy with it. It does sit a long way back but haven't noticed any pronounced ill effects on handling (and you don't look at the mantle when stoking the fireplace etc. etc.). It dealt with camping kit for a long weekend away (and $1.80 on a couple of occasions), no problems.

One minor issue - the nuts on the two rear bolts attaching the box to the carrier plate have vibrated loose during this week's commute and are on the road somewhere between my place and the CBD. Bloody! Will get onto the dealer (who fitted it) and see if I can't wangle some free replacements.